Mercedes GL-Class 2017: Stunning Photos
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class delivers breathtaking automotive artistry. Explore a gallery showcasing its luxurious design, powerful stance, and elegant details, perfect for appreciating its sophisticated aesthetic.
Welcome to MercedesBlue! If you’re captivated by the refined elegance and commanding presence of Mercedes-Benz, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving into a true gem: the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Often praised for its blend of robust capability and sophisticated luxury, this model offers a visual feast.
Many enthusiasts appreciate the GL-Class for its ability to transport families in supreme comfort while still exuding an undeniable sense of prestige. Its design is a masterful balance of strength and grace, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz engineering. Getting a closer look at what makes this SUV so visually striking is a pleasure we’re eager to share.
This guide will highlight the stunning photographic elements of the 2017 GL-Class, focusing on its exterior and interior beauty. Prepare to be impressed by the craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal that Mercedes-Benz consistently delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
What were the main trims available for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class was primarily offered in three trims: the GL 350d 4MATIC (diesel), the GL 450 4MATIC (gasoline), and the GL 550 4MATIC (gasoline, more powerful). Each offered a different blend of performance and luxury features.
How does the exterior design of the 2017 GL-Class stand out?
Its exterior boasts a bold, upright grille, distinctive LED lighting signatures, and sculpted lines that convey both power and refinement. Large wheels and a commanding stance give it a signature SUV presence, while the chrome accents add a touch of premium elegance.
What are some key interior design highlights of the 2017 GL-Class?
Inside, the 2017 GL-Class featured a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials like fine leather and real wood trim. A prominent COMAND infotainment display, comfortable seating for up to seven passengers, and ambient lighting created a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere.
Is the 2017 GL-Class still considered a good value for luxury SUVs?
Yes, the 2017 GL-Class remains a strong contender in the used luxury SUV market. Its robust build, extensive features, and the Mercedes-Benz reputation for quality offer excellent value, especially for those seeking a capable and comfortable family vehicle.
What are the typical dimensions of the 2017 GL-Class?
The 2017 GL-Class is a full-size luxury SUV. It typically measures around 201 inches in length, 76 inches in width, and 70 inches in height, with a wheelbase of approximately 121 inches. These dimensions contribute to its spacious interior and commanding road presence.
Where can I find high-quality photos of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class?
You can find stunning photos from official Mercedes-Benz archives, reputable automotive review sites, and enthusiast forums. Searching for “Mercedes GL-Class 2017 photos” on these platforms will yield many high-resolution images showcasing its design.
Exterior Aesthetics: A Masterpiece in Metal
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a triumph of automotive design, meticulously crafted to impress at every angle. Its exterior is more than just panels and paint; it’s a statement of power, luxury, and engineering prowess. When you see the GL-Class, you notice its commanding presence, a blend of robust capability and sophisticated styling.
Front Fascia: The Confident Grille and Signature Lighting
The front of the 2017 GL-Class is instantly recognizable. The signature Mercedes-Benz grille, often featuring two prominent horizontal louvers and a large central star, projects an aura of authority. This isn’t just for looks; it’s a core part of the brand’s identity. Flanking the grille are the sleek, intelligent LED headlights. These aren’t merely for illumination; their intricate internal design and crisp, modern light signature contribute significantly to the vehicle’s premium appeal, especially visible in high-definition photos. The sculpted hood, with subtle creases, hints at the power residing beneath, preparing you for the dynamic drive ahead.
The lower bumper is aerodynamically sculpted, integrating fog lights and air intakes that complement the overall aggressive yet elegant stance. Chrome accents are strategically placed, adding a touch of sophisticated shine without being ostentatious. Photos often capture how the sunlight glints off these details, emphasizing the quality of the materials and the precision of the design.
Profile: Sculpted Lines and Commanding Stance
As you move to the side of the 2017 GL-Class, its substantial dimensions become apparent. It’s a full-size SUV, and its profile conveys exactly that – stability, spaciousness, and capability. The roofline is elegantly sloped, balancing aerodynamic efficiency with rear passenger headroom. Photographers often seek out profile shots to emphasize the vehicle’s length and its balanced proportions.
Key design elements along the side include the sculpted character lines that flow from the front fenders, defining the vehicle’s muscularity. The large wheel arches house impressive alloy wheels, which are crucial visual components. These range from elegant multi-spoke designs to sportier options, all contributing to the GL-Class’s road presence. The chrome trim often extends along the lower doors and window surrounds, reinforcing the luxury aspect. The side mirrors are aerodynamically shaped and often incorporate turn signals, blending functionality with design.
The large glass area not only ensures excellent visibility but also provides a sense of an airy, open cabin, visible even in static images. The doors are substantial, hinting at the solid build quality and the luxury that awaits inside. For a deeper dive into general SUV design principles, you might find resources from the Design News website insightful, though they may not focus on specific models like this.
| Exterior Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Grille | Prominent Mercedes-Benz grille with star badge |
| Headlights | Intelligent LED lighting with distinctive daytime running lights |
| Body Lines | Sculpted character lines emphasizing strength and motion |
| Wheels | Large diameter alloy wheels, various designs |
| Chrome Accents | Subtle chrome detailing on grille, windows, and trim |
Rear End: Elegance and Functionality
The rear of the 2017 GL-Class is designed to be as commanding and elegant as the front. The tailgate is sculpted, often featuring a chrome strip that spans the width, subtly integrating the Mercedes-Benz star. The taillights are designed to echo the front’s LED signature, providing a cohesive look. They are typically large and wrap around the corners, enhancing the vehicle’s width and stability visually.
The rear bumper integrates the exhaust outlets, which are often styled with chrome finishers, adding a sporty yet refined touch. Depending on the trim, these can be single or dual outlets. The rear diffuser element, if present, further enhances the aerodynamic profile. Photos from the rear often show the GL-Class with its rear lights illuminated, demonstrating the brand’s signature light patterns, a key element in its distinctive appearance.
Color Palette: Enhancing the Luxury
The choice of exterior color significantly impacts how the 2017 GL-Class is perceived. Mercedes-Benz offers a sophisticated palette. Classic choices like Obsidian Black, Diamond White, and Palladium Silver are perennial favorites, enhancing the vehicle’s inherent luxury and metallic finishes. Deeper blues and richer grays can also add depth and character. Photos showcasing the GL-Class in different lighting conditions highlight how these colors interact with the vehicle’s sculpted surfaces and chrome accents, bringing its design to life.
Interior Excellence: A Sanctuary of Comfort and Technology
Stepping inside the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is like entering a personal oasis of luxury, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. Every detail has been considered to create an environment that is both relaxing for passengers and intuitive for the driver. High-quality materials, premium finishes, and thoughtful ergonomics define the cabin.
Dashboard and Cockpit: Driver-Centric Design
The dashboard of the 2017 GL-Class is a masterpiece of ergonomic design and luxurious materials. A prominent, elegantly integrated COMAND infotainment display sits at the center, controlling navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. Below this, the climate control panel features crisp buttons and logically placed controls, allowing for quick adjustments without distraction. Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its use of fine materials, and the cockpit exemplifies this. Expect soft-touch plastics, real wood veneers (such as burled walnut or brushed aluminum depending on the trim and options), and precisely stitched leather trims.
The instrument cluster, housed behind a sculpted binnacle, typically includes two large, clear analog gauges for speed and RPM, with a multi-information display in between. Ambient lighting is often subtly integrated into the dashboard, door panels, and footwells, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere after dark. Photos capturing the interior at night often highlight this feature, showcasing the sophisticated mood lighting. The multi-function steering wheel is intuitively designed, allowing access to various vehicle functions and infotainment controls without taking hands off the wheel.
Seating and Comfort: First-Class Accommodation
The GL-Class is designed to carry up to seven passengers in comfort, and the seating is a testament to this. The front seats are multi-adjustable, heated, and often ventilated and massaging, designed to provide exceptional support on long journeys. Upholstered in high-quality leather, they offer a premium feel. The memory function for the driver’s seat is a practical touch, allowing quick recall of personalized seating positions.
The second-row seats offer ample legroom and headroom, with a comfortable bench seat that can slide and recline. Access to the third row is typically facilitated by a power-folding mechanism on the second-row seats, making entry and exit easier. The third-row seats, while best suited for children or shorter journeys for adults, provide essential extra capacity when needed. All seating positions benefit from the generous cabin dimensions and the GL-Class’s smooth, composed ride.
For those interested in the science behind automotive interiors and comfort, resources on human factors engineering or automotive ergonomics might be of interest. Organizations like the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) explore principles that contribute to comfortable and safe vehicle interiors.
Infotainment and Technology: Seamless Connectivity
The COMAND infotainment system in the 2017 GL-Class is the heart of its connected experience. It features a high-resolution display controlled via a rotary dial and buttons on the center console, or sometimes voice commands. Navigation is standard, providing clear, detailed mapping. Audio systems range from a high-quality standard setup to an optional premium Burmester surround sound system, delivering exceptional acoustic performance. Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and audio streaming is, of course, standard.
Other technological highlights often found include Active Parking Assist, which helps find and maneuver into parking spaces, and a 360-degree camera system, providing an aerial view of the vehicle and its surroundings – incredibly useful for parking the large SUV. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are also prevalent, enhancing safety and driver confidence. These can include features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Photos sometimes capture the various icons and menu screens of the COMAND system, illustrating its functionality.
| Interior Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| COMAND System | Central infotainment hub with navigation, audio, and vehicle settings |
| Audio Options | Premium sound systems, including optional Burmester |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming |
| Parking Assistance | Active Parking Assist, 360-degree camera |
| Driver Aids | Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist (optional/standard by trim) |
Illumination and Ambiance
The cabin’s ambiance is significantly enhanced by its lighting. Beyond the warm glow of ambient lighting, map lights and dome lights provide practical illumination. The sunroof, if equipped, allows natural light to flood the cabin during the day, making it feel even more spacious and airy – a key feature that high-quality photos often try to capture.
Performance Through Design: Power and Presence
While photos primarily capture aesthetics, the 2017 GL-Class’s stunning visuals are intrinsically linked to its underlying performance capabilities. The robust stance hints at its robust powertrains and sophisticated chassis, designed for both confident on-road handling and admirable off-road/towing prowess.
Engine Options: Powering the Presence
The GL-Class was available with powerful engine options that contributed to its commanding road feel. The base GL 350d featured a torque-rich 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, perfect for effortless cruising and towing. The GL 450 and GL 550 were powered by gasoline V8 engines, with the GL 550 featuring a more potent, twin-turbocharged variant. These engines provide smooth, responsive acceleration, essential for a vehicle of this size. While photos can’t convey sound or speed, the muscular proportions of the GL-Class
